Our team were at the Batimat exhibition in Paris last week, with several customers joining us on the trip to see the latest innovations in European construction.
The AluK stand featured a number of new product launches specifically for the French market, including another stylish new slider which generated plenty of interest, as well a couple of projects from our Innovation Lab, designed to test the market response.
Our Innovation Lab is made up of several small, focused working groups from different departments and different regions who are tasked with developing new products, processes and services which create value for AluK and, more importantly, for our customers.
The Smart Window Innovation Group have been looking at ‘the future of the window’ and, in line with what is probably the dominant trend now impacting on the fenestration sector, developing smart solutions to work with the IoT (Internet of Things).
At Batimat, they were demonstrating two innovations – AluK smart sensors which allow users to monitor the status of their windows and doors (open, closed, locked) and AluK LED lights to enhance the aesthetics and security of a window. We had two separate smart sensor options on show to gauge market response and a gasket mounted LED system, designed to be operated either by a mobile app or Home Assistant.
We were closely monitoring the feedback to the innovations throughout the show, and this will definitely inform the products and solutions we bring to the UK and European market in 2020.
Beyond our own stand, what was most significant at Batimat was the level of interest in new machinery and the commitment to ongoing investment. As an indication of market confidence, it was hugely encouraging.
